Pages

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Breaking: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible Officially Unveiled

In an unusual move, while the Concept 6 Series Coupe was making its North American premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show today, BMW unveiled photos and details of the production version of the all-new 6-Series Convertible that will go on sale in the States in Spring of 2011 tagged as a 2012 model.

If you've seen the Concept 6 Series Coupe, then the styling of the production model inside and out won't come as a surprise. The new model measures in at 4,894 millimeters (192.6 in.) in length, meaning it's 74 millimeters (2.9 in.) longer than its predecessor, while its extended wheelbase now stretches to 2,855 millimeters (112.4 in.). The car is also 39 millimeters (1.5 in.) wider, measuring 1,894 millimeters (74.5 in.) across, while 9 millimeters (0.35 in.) have been cut from its height (now 1,365 mm / 53.7 in.).

The German company notes the car's static torsional rigidity is about 50 percent greater than that of its predecessor.

As with the preceding generation, BMW's flagship convertible features a fabric roof which can open in 19 seconds and close in 24 seconds with both operations available while on the move at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h). BMW says that the lightweight design of the soft-top roof and the stowage compartment helped reduce weight by half over its predecessor.

The new four-seater cabrio offers 300 liters (10.6 cu. ft.) DIN of trunk space with the convertible top open, which according to BMW, allows two 46-inch golf bags and a business case to be accommodated. With the roof closed, the variable soft-top stowage compartment can be folded to increase trunk capacity to 350 liters (12.3 cu. ft.) DIN.

The presentation model is the 650i which is powered by BMW's latest 4.4-liter V8 engine with direct injection and turbocharging technology that churns out 400hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. To the delight of purists, the V8 can be linked to either BMW's new 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission or a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox.

Whatever transmission you choose, the 650i completes the standard sprint from 0 to 60 mph [96 km/h] in 4.9 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph or 250 km/h. More engine options including a straight-six turbo unit and the range topping M6 with a turbocharged V8 are expected to be offered in certain markets after launch.

As expected, the new 6-Series is loaded with numerous technological goodies including standard Driving Dynamics Control, Brake Energy Regeneration system, LED foglamps and lights and an optional Active Roll Stabilization feature that reduces body roll in high-speed corners and in sudden changes of direction, or transitions.

BMW said it will release more details on the new 6-Series Convertible, which will soon be followed by the more popular Coupe model, closer to their launch date.